Accuracy of measuring depth of epidural space using Ultrasound imaging in Transverse median and parasagittal oblique planes in patients scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia and lumbar epidural anaesthesia - an observational study

The meticulous practice of ultrasound scanning for central neuraxial block has been well defined in literature. The efficacy of ultrasound imaging in determining the depth of epidural space has been extensively documented by comparing the ultrasound depth (UD) in various axes to the actual needle depth (ND). Ultrasound aids in identification of intervertebral levels, estimation of the depth to epidural and intrathecal spaces, and location of important landmarks, including the midline and interlaminar spaces. This can facilitate neuraxial blockade, particularly in patients with difficult surface anatomic landmarks. This study is designed to compare the efficacy of US imaging in the transverse median (TM) and paramedian sagittal oblique (PSO) planes in accurately predicting the depth to epidural space and the point of needle insertion for epidural needle placement in patients scheduled for surgery